Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Flag Program?
A: The Ottawa Police Service, as part of its community policing tradition, seeks to work in partnership with diverse communities. The Ottawa Police Service Flag Program is an opportunity to build community partnerships and raise awareness about a particular cultural or religious group by temporarily displaying a group's flag or symbol in the lobby of a police building in recognition of a significant event.
Q: When was the Flag Program developed?
A: It is a long standing community policing practice of the Ottawa Police Service to work in partnership with various diverse communities across the city, and the flag program is one many examples of this important work. While there wasn't an official flag program until 2006, the Ottawa Police Service has been working with various communities for many years on flag recognition type events such as the annual recognition and unfurling of the Rainbow Flag for Gay Pride Week in the nation's capital.
Based on the success of the previous flag recognition events and increased requests, an official Ottawa Police Service Flag Program was developed in 2006 in order to facilitate a consistent approach for community requests.
Q: Where can a flag or symbol be displayed at the Ottawa Police Service?
A: The flag may be displayed in an appropriate location in the lobby of the police building(s).
Due to the limited number of exterior poles and official flag protocol, it is not appropriate to display flags on existing exterior flagpoles.
Exception: When approved by the Chief of Police, the Ottawa Police Service flag may be temporarily replaced by the Franco Ontarian flag or U.S.A. flag.
Note: Please contact the Office of the Protocol at the City of Ottawa to make arrangements for displaying a flag on an exterior flagpole at Ottawa City Hall.
Q: Is a ceremony a required part of the program?
A: No. The decision to have an organized ceremony is one of the three options available to the community and police representatives who are planning the event.
Q: How far in advance should I contact the Ottawa Police Service to arrange an event?
A: Requests should be submitted to the Office of the Chief at least eight weeks in advance.
Q: Does the Ottawa Police Service help plan the event?
A: Following approval from the Office of the Chief, a representative from the Diversity and Race Relations Section will meet with the community representative to review the Flag Program toolkit. Roles and responsibilities will be determined during the initial meeting.
Q: What is the Diversity and Race Relations Section?
A: The Diversity and Race Relations Section of the Ottawa Police works to ensure that the police respond effectively, appropriately, and sensitively to all members of the community, particularly those who have been traditionally marginalized by society.
Q: Is the Ottawa Police Service showing favouritism toward some cultural or religious groups?
A: No. All flag recognition events are done at the request of community groups. Recognizing the importance of educating the members of the police service organization and the community, the Ottawa Police Service will work in partnership with communities to commemorate and recognize significant and important cultural or religious events. The Flag Program is consistent with our vision of building partnerships with the community and reflects the value we place on being a diverse police service.
Q: Will the flag be returned to me?
A: Yes. The flag will be returned immediately following the event along with any belongings. In addition pictures, news stories, letters and any other items from the event will be sent following the event.
Q: Does a request have to be made annually to have a flag or symbol displayed at the Ottawa Police Service?
A: Yes. In order to build community-police partnerships and raise cultural and religious awareness, the Ottawa Police Service requires the active participation of the community group.
Q: What if my cultural or religious group does not have a flag, but wants police recognition?
A: Where possible, the Ottawa Police Service will work with interested community groups to make alternate arrangements. For example, a cake cutting ceremony may be an acceptable substitution.